John Henry Thomas, Sr. better known as "Hammer" was born July 17, 1930 in Butler County, Alabama to the Late Henry and Pearlie (Gandy) Thomas "Hammer" confessed his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Rose Baptist Church of Georgiana, AL.

John married the late Annie D. (Carter) Thomas on February 12, 1949. To these union six children was born. "Hammer" moved to Pacoima, California in 1953 and worked for the Los Angeles City School District until he retired in 1984. He became a Deacon for the Greater Missionary Baptist Church of San Fernando, CA. were he served until he moved back to Georgiana, AL to help care for his father. "Hammer" served the United States Postal Service as a contract driver from 1985 to 2002 and continued to farm until his last days. "Hammer" served as a faithful Deacon for Mt. Rose Baptist Church until his untimely death.